“As a community, it is our responsibility to provide the next generation with resources that promote self-love, cultural pride, and education. That is why we are proud to present to you this list of 30 Picture Books Every Black Child Should Read. These books have been carefully selected for their exceptional storytelling, captivating illustrations, and powerful messages. Each book serves as a tool to instill a sense of heritage, foster self-esteem, and encourage a love of learning in young Black children. So, take charge of your child’s literary journey and give them the gift of knowledge and representation with our handpicked selection of the 30 Picture Books Every Black Child Should Read.”
I AM EVERY GOOD THING BY DERRICK BARNE
This picture book portrays ever so clearly black boy joy and black excellence. This book not only affirms black boys as they come of age but it also educates the non-black readers. In these days where a racist society tries to place a false narrative on our black boys, this important book serves as one of the needed voices countering that narrative. One way to silence the lie is to present the truth and that is exactly what this book does. Contrary to false opinions this book shows us that our black boys have dreams, they are not immune to pain and they are raised to be respectful young men.
Black tweens need to grow up knowing and defining exactly who they are and not accepting the definition that the racist man down the street tries to put on them. They are indeed every good thing!
‘Chocolate Me!’ by Taye Diggs and Shane W. Evans
When a little boy is teased for looking different than other kids because of his dark skin, his mother tells him why he’s beautiful just the way he is. Actor Taye Diggs and Shane W. Evans’ book will help both kids and parents love the skin they’re in.
‘Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen,’ Illustrations by Kadir Nelson
Loosely based off the life of choreographer Debbie Allen, a young girl overcomes big feet and long legs to achieve her dream of becoming a dancer. Sassy, the main character, gets teased by her dance mates and even her brother because she’s the odd girl out. Budding ballerinas will be inspired by her ability to persevere despite the ridicule and her own self-doubt.
Rainbow’s Promise Written by Barbara Rabb
Rainbow’s promise is a beautifully illustrated and whimsical tale that highlights a young girls journey in discovering her special and unique purpose. This creative story teaches children the values of responsibility, as well as why we need each other and the importance of staying true to your promises.We are happy to present to you our family’s treasured folktale that has been passed down verbally from generation to generation. We’re excited to have finally written down this cherished tale to share with the you and the world.We know you’re children will adore this dazzling adventurous tale as much as our family.
‘Pass It On: African American Poetry for Children’ by Wade Hudson
This book features poems by Countee Cullen, Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes that will give your child pride in their history and culture.
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter To My Daughters’ by Barack Obama
President Obama’s tender letter to his daughters will make your pre-teen girl feel loved and empowered
Something Beautiful’ by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
A young girl searches for beautiful things in her inner-city neighborhood and finds that they are actually all around her. Her neighbors show her that there is a lot of beauty in the little things—from a fried fish sandwich to a smooth stone. This story is perfect for teaching our daughters perspective: it’s our outlook that determines our outcome.
Happy to Be Nappy (Jump at the Sun)
Happy to Be Nappy (Jump at the Sun) by bell hooks is a favorite for a reason. The lessons imparted by the famed feminist scholar are bright and beautiful, and the illustrations by Chris Rashcka just jump off the page.
Amazing Grace’ by Mary Hoffman
“Amazing Grace” is an old school favorite about a young girl who loves stories, movies and plays who fights for the chance to play the lead in Peter Pan. Grace’s fierce determination and love of words will be contagious.
‘The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales’ by Virginia Hamilton
“The People Could Fly” is brightly illustrated retelling of some of the best folk tales, cautionary tales and slave tales that will enchant and educate your little one.
‘I Love My Hair’ by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley,’ Illustrations by E.B. Lewis
This delightful story teaches girls to love their hair and their heritage. The affirmative “I love my hair!” really teaches girls to say “I love myself!” A familiar ritual of combing the tangles from a head full of kinks and curls will give brown girls something to relate to in the story. This book, which starts with tears ends in triumph as the narrator imagines the many styles she can wear her kinky, curly hair. Definitely a great read for any girl who is struggling with loving every bit of her brown girl self.
‘Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story’ by Ruby Bridges
Simple text and historical photographs help little readers follow the extraordinary story of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to integrate a New Orleans school. In the face of racism and segregation, Ruby’s triumphant spirit endures, teaching brown girls they can overcome any obstacle.
Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron
Nappy Hair by Carolivia Herron is written in the call and response tradition and could be fun to read together with your little one. The illustrations by Joe Cepeda are vibrant and stunning.
Hey Black Child
This lyrical, empowering poem celebrates Black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.
‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Jack Keats
Over 50 years ago, Ezra Jack Keats wrote this story about a young Black child’s imaginative day playing in the snow and we’ve been mesmerized ever since. It’s the perfect read for a bad weather day.
10 Nubian Knots by Kushakti Sun
Join Baby Girl on her countdown to bedtime In this cultural and colorful book that introduces shapes, colors, numbers, and counting. This wonderful reading experience encourages pride and cognitive skills to toddlers and young children of all backgrounds! You’ll enjoy this classic tale for generations to come!
Please, Baby, Please, by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee
This adorable tale written by acclaimed director Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lewis Lee is described as a “behind-the-scenes look at the chills, spills and unequivocal thrills of bringing up baby!” Buy it here.
M IS FOR MELANIN: A CELEBRATION OF THE BLACK CHILD
HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS
What began as a spiritual has developed into one of America’s best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, Kadir has created a dazzling, intimate interpretation, one that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature.
Inspired by the song’s simple message, Kadir sought to capture the joy of living in and engaging with the world. Most importantly, he wished to portray the world as a child might see it–vast and beautiful.
CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT
The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.
BLACK IS A RAINBOW COLOR
A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on.
MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS: AN AFRICAN TALE
Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia
It’s all there in the title, isn’t it? This middle-grade anthology includes 17 stories about Black boyhood from acclaimed Black male and non-binary authors that range from preparing for the first day of school to saving the galaxy. This is truly a marvel for any middle-grade reader, but especially for young Black kids who will see themselves on the pages.
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd
“In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!” This beautifully illustrated children’s book about bedtime is a sweet and fun depiction of a Black family’s bedtime hair care routines. Add to that the mystery of the missing bonnet and this book will engage young readers from start to finish and maybe spark a memory of where you put your own sleep bonnet.
I Am Enough
This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
Not Quite Snow White
Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance—and she’s pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role. But the other kids think she’s “not quite” right to play the role. They whisper, they snicker, and they glare. Will Tameika let their harsh words be her final curtain call
Not Quite Snow White is a delightful and inspiring picture book that highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking an earnest look at what happens when that confidence is shaken or lost. Tameika encourages us all to let our magic shine.
All Because You Matter
Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to Black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love.
Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughs, through the hardship of adolescent struggles, and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter. Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come.
Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience what The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most.
We Are Here
An empowering follow-up to New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter that celebrates the rich history of Black and brown men and women throughout history with soaring language and stunning illustration.
Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time.
Tami Charles shares the beauty and excellence in the history of the Black community, assuring Black and brown children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Charles’s powerful and empowering text is accompanied with illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree. We Are Here celebrates readers with pride, joy, and love, reminding them of their roots, inviting readers to imagine a future that shines ever bright, and strengthening them for their triumphant days to come!
Peter’s Chair
Peter, the hero of many of Ezra Jack Keats’ award-winning books, has a new baby sister. When she arrives, his parents paint his old baby furniture pink for the new baby. There’s only one thing they haven’t painted yet, though: his little blue chair. He’ll do whatever it takes to save it—even run away! This is a gentle and reassuring story about sibling rivalry and a perfect gift for any family expecting a new baby.
What Does Brown Mean to You?
This joyously affirming picture book follows a young boy throughout his day as he plays, paints, and bakes, making positive associations with the color of his skin.
To Benny, brown is more than just a color. Brown is his Gram’s coffee and his Gramp’s morning kiss. Brown is the wooden spoon he uses for mixing and baking. It’s the ground that grows the tomatoes he loves and it’s the log he plays on. Brown is the fuzzy blanket he takes to his room at the end of the day. Brown is him and brown is love.
In tender, lyrical text and warmly exuberant illustrations, What Does Brown Mean to You? celebrates all the brilliant and beautiful shades of brown, encouraging children to explore and see the beauty of their skin reflected in their families, communities, and the world around them.
Skin Like Mine
From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry.
Hair Like Mine
Hair Like Mine is the first book in the Kids Like Mine Series. It is a fun and easy read following a little girl who doesn’t like that her naturally curly hair looks different from the other kids around her. On her quest to find someone with hair like hers, she soon realizes we are all unique and special in our own way.
When God Made You
YOU, you… God thinks about you.
God was thinking of you long before your debut.
From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.
Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
When I See You
When I See You encourages parents to speak life into their children. Encourage them, motivate them, and let them know that no matter what, you see the best in them, even when others may not. In this book, you will find that words matter, and choosing the right words to uplift your child will make all the difference in their world.